Review of I Am Number Four (2011) by Jin L — 16 Dec 2014

Quite a pleasant surprise. The basic premise - in its presentation of the teenage hero-to-be discovering his superpowers (plus some teenage drama sprinkled over) - can is ultimately cliche and contrived.

Still, in spite of the fact that Alex Pettyfer's acting is mercilessly monotonous and bland, I Am Number Four positions itself to be more than the given expectation. The characters, for the most part, are likable enough (especially the female roles.

..) and while the hostile alien race (can't quite remember their name) look downright silly and feel like some mediocre Power Ranger villains, action is better than expected (not too over-the-top or dull), sequencing is decent, (again, maybe this is all I actually liked about the movie.

..) the girls are hot and overall it actually lives up to be the brainless, mediocre, but potentially entertaining (depends on the viewer's mood and tolerance level for mindless blockbusters) sci-fi thriller that it promises to be (it never promised to be the next Dark Knight or The Matrix.

.. I don't think). Eager to see the next installment - although it no longer appears as though a sequel, much less an entire series will materialize.